Travel Michigan

Travel Michigan with David LorenzSaturdays, 10:20 AM on 1290 AM & online at www.1290WLBY.com – Each Saturday we explore the great State of Michigan with David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations for Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.)

About Michigan: Michigan’s very name is rooted in the Ojibwa (Chippewa) Indian word for “large lake,” and its handprint on the earth, the mitten-like Lower Peninsula and jagged-edged Upper Peninsula, is shaped by four of the five Great Lakes.

The State of Michigan is a state blessed with the riches of unspoiled nature: the world’s longest freshwater coastline, lakes that feel like oceans, shimmering beaches, miles and miles of cherry orchards, glorious sunrises and sunsets, daytime skies of the deepest blue, nighttime skies scattered with stars.

Lakes, campgrounds, wildlife refuges and 99 Michigan state parks and recreation areas create a wide variety of recreational pursuits. Rivers for water sports, and thousands of miles of hiking, biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling trails thread their way among some 100 species of trees.

Long days, relaxing weather and more than 800 pristine Michigan courses make for the perfect tee time. Because being able to play all day is Pure Michigan.

The Upper Peninsula, which is 90 percent forested, retains its aura of accessible wilderness. Vast wildlife and waterfowl refuges, 150 waterfalls, iron and copper mines, the Soo Locks (where ocean-going freighters make the 21-foot leap from Lake Superior to Lake Huron) are within an easy drive of one another.

The State of Michigan offers a near infinite array of moments that live forever in memory. Come find out what Pure Michigan feels like.

April 8, 2016: Eating Your Way Through Western Michigan – David Lorenz, VP, Travel Michigan – A foodie adventure awaits along the Western Michigan shoreline.

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January 26, 2016: Statewide Winter Events – David Lorenz, V.P., Travel Michigan – Great ideas for many travel excursions throughout the Mitten state this winter.

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January 9, 2016: 2016 Travel Resolutions, Pt. 2 – Now known as the “comeback city”, Detroit is wowing investors and visitors. Make it a resolution this year to revisit this city undergoing a renaissance. Also, did you know Michigan is home to five National Parks?

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January 2, 2016: 2016 Travel Resolutions – Did you know 20% of Michiganders have never even crossed the Mackinac Bridge, which connects the upper and lower sections of the state? If you are one of those, you may want to resolve to cross the Big Mac this year. Dave also tells us about other Michigan spots that you may want to include in your upcoming travels.

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December 1, 2015: Beer City USA – David Lorenz, Vice President, Travel Michigan – People who know craft beer are looking to Grand Rapids, Michigan, which has been leading the way in the craft beer movement.

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November 17, 2015: Michigan’s Tongue-Twisting Towns – David Lorenz, VP, Travel Michigan – The name Michigan is based on the Chippewa Indian word “meicigama” meaning great water (think Great Lake.) But what about all of those other hard to pronounce names of places around the mitten state – – what are their origins?

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November 11, 2015: Michigan’s Maritime Museum & More – David Lorenz, Vice President, Travel Michigan – This week marks the 40th anniversary of the sinking of the Edmund Fitzgerald. Today we visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on Whitefish Point.

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October 20, 2015: Apples – David Lorenz, VP, Travel Michigan – Michigan is the second most agriculturally-diverse state in the country. Right now apples are taking center stage with a billion pounds of apples produced last year alone.

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October 3, 2015: Traveling Traverse City – David Lorenz, VP, Travel Michigan; Brad Van Dommelin, President – One of the top travel destinations in Michigan is Traverse City and TC’s Fab Fall package being offered makes fall a great time to visit. Visit www.Michigan.org.

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September 15, 2015: Pure Michigan Goes High Tech – Pure Michigan is using high tech to interact with fans of the great state of Michigan. Michelle Grinnell, PR Manager for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, tells us how the Google Trekker project and Georama are bringing Michigan to the world.

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June 20, 2015: Autopalooza– David Lorenz, Manager, Industry Relations & International Marketing, Travel Michigan; Brian Yopp, Director of Programs & Operations, MotorCities National Heritage Area – Autopalooza is a celebration of Southeast Michigan’s automotive heritage through a series of major cruises, races, and shows during the summer months. MotorCities National Heritage Area is an affiliate of the National Park Service dedicated to preserving, interpreting and promoting the automotive and labor heritage of the State of Michigan.

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May 2, 2015: Michigan Cares for Tourism – David Lorenz, Manager, Travel Michigan; Linda Klemens, President, Alcona Historical Society – There are 129 lighthouses in Michigan, more than any other state in the country. Today we travel to the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse, where tourism industry staff will be donning work clothes to help refurbish the property. Michigan Cares for Tourism is a volunteer partnership between tourism organizations who come together to restore Michigan’s historic sites. Last year they helped at Chelsea’s Waterloo Recreation Area.

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April 18, 2015: Holland, Michigan is getting ready for the Tulip Time Festival May 2-9, but how do they make sure the tulips will be ready as well? David Lorenz of Travel Michigan tells us it’s all thanks to planting three different variations of tulips. VisitTulip Time Festival – Pure Michigan Travel

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October 18, 2014: Fall Travel – Fall begins with a slow dance of turning leaves. The colors of autumn crescendo into a flurry of vibrant reds, oranges and yellows. When the 19 million acre woods explode in their annual blaze of glory, the fall colors of Pure Michigan invite you to take a fall vacation and soak it all in.

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October 4, 2014: Visit Detroit: David Lorenz, Manager, Industry Relations & International Marketing, Travel Michigan – Michigan’s largest city is exhibiting signs of a great comeback. The renaissance of Detroit is being driven by key entrepreneurs, like Dan Gilbert, and an influx of young adults eager to shape the city’s future.

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August 9, 2014: David Lorenz, Manager, Industry Relations & International Marketing, Travel Michigan – Foodies are finding that Grand Rapids is a great destination to feed their love of local fare.

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July 19, 2014: David Lorenz, Manager, Industry Relations & International Marketing, Travel Michigan – A new interactive map on the Michigan.org website is a great tool to plan your next trip. If you know where and when you want to go and what you want to do when you get there, plug that in to the interactive map and it will map out your stay for you.

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July 12, 2014: David Lorenz, Manager, Industry Relations & International Marketing, Travel Michigan – Over the past 90 years, the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven has become a premier event, drawing more than 350,000 visitors. This year it runs July 25-August 3 and it includes ship arrivals and ship tours.

September 7, 2013: Travel Michigan: Binder Park Zoo – David Lorenz, Manager, Industry Relations & International Marketing, Travel Michigan – One of America’s best zoos is right in our own backyard! Binder Park Zoo is located outside of Battle Creek, Michigan, on 433 acres of natural forests and wetlands. In the past 33 years this zoo has grown to be one of the leading cultural attractions in the region.

August 17, 2013: Travel Michigan: Autopalooza – David Lorenz, Manager, Industry Relations & International Marketing, Travel Michigan – Autopalooza is a celebration of Southeast Michigan’s automotive heritage through a series of major cruises, races, and shows during the summer months.

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August 10, 2013: Travel Michigan: Attracting the UK to Pure Michigan – David Lorenz, Manager, Industry Relations & International Marketing, Travel Michigan; Yolanda Fletcher, Partner, Cellet Travel Services– Billing itself as the gateway to sport in the USA, Cellet Travel Services provides tours from the UK to the United States. Michigan, with its four seasons and active lifestyle, is a a perfect draw. Visit www.GreatLakesUSA.co.uk to learn more about how the Great Lakes’ states attract travelers from overseas.

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July 13, 2013: Travel Michigan:Camping Etiquette – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Camping with the family can be a wonderful way to take a Pure Michigan vacation, but there are a few tips you need to know before you go.

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June 29, 2013: Travel Michigan:The Amish in Michigan– David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – The Amish community located in the Centreville area, is the largest and oldest in Michigan. Settled back in 1910, the Amish have several church districts with both Swiss Amish and Pennsylvania German-ethnicity Amish groups. Discover history and heritage, intriguing attractions, countryside and friendly communities. Take a few days from the ‘grind’ to enjoy a quieter world.

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May 25, 2013: Travel Michigan:Michigan’s Upper Peninsula – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council); Tom Nemacheck, UPTRA (Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association) – Visit the U.P. and you’ll treasure every moment. Surrounded by three Great Lakes, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is attached not to Michigan, but Wisconsin. Only 3% of Michigan’s population lives in the U.P. ,d making for a bounty of nature for you to enjoy.

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May 11, 2013:Travel Michigan:Saugatuck – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Known as the Art Coast of Michigan, Saugatuck and neighboring Douglas are nestled on the shores of Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River. The resort, tourist, and “cottage” culture in the area emerged in the 1880s.

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May 4, 2013: Travel Michigan:It’s Tulip Time! – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council); Sally Laukitis, Executice Director, Holland Area Convention & Visitors Bureau – Since 1929, the small city of Holland, Michigan has blossomed with literally hundreds of thousands of tulips — and an equal number of tulip-lovers who attend the annual Tulip Time Festival.

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April 6, 2013: Travel Michigan:What Does Pure Michigan Mean to the Detroit Tigers? – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – We celebrated Opening Day at Comerica Park with a Detroit Tigers victory, and the players weighed in on what Pure Michigan means to them. See their answers here. Also, Dave tells us about a newly-enhanced partnership with the Michigan International Speedway. Check-out Pure Michigan’s blog on all of these topics here, and listen to our interview at the link below.

March 23, 2013: Travel Michigan:– A World Presence for Michigan: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Europeans are starting to realize that Michigan offers a vast wilderness to explore. Dave reports that Germans even enjoy visiting Frankenmuth! Hear how Pure Michigan is going global.

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March 16, 2013: Travel Michigan:The Wilds of Michigan – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – As it starts to warm up consider Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula for a family trip or for a buddies getaway, complete with great hiking, fantastic scenes and a real feeling of being in the wilderness.

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February 23, 2013: Travel Michigan:Traverse City – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council); Brad Van Dommelen, President, Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau – Traverse City has earned its reputation as a four-season destination thanks to its almost endless offerings of activities.Click to Listen:

February 16, 2013: Travel Michigan: Spring Break in the Mitten – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Looking for a great way to spend Spring Break with your family? Look no farther than out Michigan’s back door. Dave gives us some great places to visit without breaking the budget.Click to Listen:

February 9, 2013: Travel Michigan:Experience Pure Michigan on YouTube – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Ever wonder what it’s like to snowboard down a Michigan mountain, ride a luge track, or zipline through the crisp Michigan air? Pure Michigan’s YouTube Channel is a perfect place to experience Michigan’s fantastic winter wonderland.Click to Listen:

February 2, 2013: Travel Michigan:A National Day of Courage at The Henry Ford Museum – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – The Henry Ford will celebrate Rosa Parks with a National Day of Courage in commemoration of what would have been her 100th birthday. From free admission and special hours to key events and speakers, there are plenty of ways to take part in the celebration. You can even sit in the very bus seat that Rosa Parks refused to give up in 1955.Click to Listen:

January 26, 2013:Travel Michigan: Michigan As A Foodie Destination – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Michigan has long been known for certain foods (Faygo, Kellog’s, etc.), but now we are becoming known for foodie places, including here in Ann Arbor.Click to Listen:

January 19, 2013: Travel Michigan: Frommer’s Ranks Mackinac Island in Top 100 Places to Take Your Kids – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council); Tim Hygh, Executive Director, Mackinac Island Convention & Visitors Bureau – Hiking, biking, and no cars (Frommer’s says you’ll wonder why the automobile was ever invented), make Mackinac Island a delight for kids. The complete circuit around the island only takes 8 miles. The island is also steeped in history..and fudge. Click here to read why Frommer’s says this is a must visit for your kids before they grow up, and listen to our interview below.Click to Listen:

January 12, 2013: Travel Michigan: North American International Auto Show – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Dave gives us a scoop on a new feature at the Auto Show at Cobo this year. It will allow you to travel back in time to the very beginning of the automobile.Click to Listen:

December 29, 2012: Travel Michigan: Muskegon Winter Sports Complex – David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council): Winter has arrived so why not enjoy it to the extreme? This complex boasts one of three luge tracks in the United States and is operated and designed for introducing beginners to the sport of luge. The complex also has the original “Nordic Nights” lighted cross-country ski trail system, three ice skating rinks catering to hockey, family skating, and a kiddie rink, as well as snowshoe trails.Click to Listen:

December 15, 2012: Travel Michigan:Michigan Skiing: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – It’s been unseasonably mild down here in southeast Michigan, but there’s plenty of snow up north for the skiers and snow lovers. Dave shows us how we can get our winter on in Michigan.Click to Listen:

December 1, 2012: Travel Michigan: Mackinac Island in Winter: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – You may not realize it, but Mackinac Island remains open to visitors in the winter months. Dave tells us how to get there and how to enjoy a different side to the popular resort. Click to Listen:

November 17, 2012: Travel Michigan:Thankful For These Thanksgiving Events : David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – If you are looking for a little fun with the family over the upcoming turkey holiday, Michigan has a number of great events for you to enjoy.Click to Listen:

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November 3, 2012: Travel Michigan:Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – If you live in Ann Arbor, you may be familiar with the Gerald R. Ford Library on the campus of the University of Michigan, but have you visited the Ford Museum in Grand Rapids? Where the Ford Library offers an analytic approach to our past and our government, the museum provokes emotions that stimulate learning, reflection, and a sense of democratic citizenship. For visitors, the presidency is theirs to see and touch (almost), to use, and to hold accountable.Click to Listen:

October 27, 2012: Travel Michigan: Pure Michigan Moments Photo Contest: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Fans of Pure Michigan are invited to share their favorite “Michigan Moment” as part of a photo contest, with the winning photo published in the Pure Michigan Travel Guide. The Pure Michigan Moments Photo Contest runs through November 9, with fans able to vote for their favorite photo on the Pure Michigan Facebook page. Click here for all of the details, and click the link below to hear more from Dave Lorenz.Click to Listen:

October 6, 2012: Travel Michigan: TEAMS (Travel Events & Management in Sports) – Promoting Michigan as a Sports Venue: David Lorenz (left), Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council); Mike Price (far right), Greater Lansing Sports Authority – The amateur sporting events industry generates $7.2 billion a year across the nation. A conference held in Detroit at Cobo Convention Center this past week focused on capturing the interest of sports organizers in hosting their events here in Michigan.Click to Listen:

September 29, 2012: Travel Michigan: Be a Visitor in Your Own Hometown: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – We always yearn to get away for a vacation, but sometimes we miss out what’s in our own backyard. Dave shows us how to be a tourist in your own town. You might want to start at the Pure Michigan website’s “Taste of Ann Arbor” page.Click to Listen:

September 15, 2012: Travel Michigan: Michigan Ice Cream: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – The creamy, sweet goodness of ice cream can be found in a myriad of forms throughout the state. Dave takes us on a tour of some of his favorites.Click to Listen:

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September 1, 2012: Travel Michigan – www.MichiganTrailMaps.com : David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Looking for a walk in the woods, a weekend backpack, or a wilderness adventure in the remote reaches of the Upper Peninsula? MichiganTrailMaps.com is the ultimate source on trails in Michigan. Also, check-out this page on the Pure Michigan website for Ann Arbor area trails.Click to Listen:

August 25, 2012: Travel Michigan – Michigan’s Bridge Walk Over the Big Mac: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) –The annual trek across the 5-mile long Mackinac Bridge occurs on Labor Day, the only day of the year pedestrians are allowed on the bridge. Walkers begin in St. Ignace at the north end of the Bridge and walk south.Click to Listen:

August 18, 2012: Travel Michigan – Michigan State Parks: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) –Do you have your Passport to Michigan’s glorious parks? For $10 when you renew your Driver’s License, you’ll get a “P” designation on your license tab that gives you free entryway to any of Michigan’s 99 state parks. Started in 1919, Michigan has one of the largest state park systems in the nation.Click to Listen:

August 11, 2012: Travel Michigan – Michigan’s Beach Towns: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) –There’s still a whole lot of summer left for you to enjoy, so why not explore one of Michigan’s many beaches and take a dip in the water!Click to Listen:

August 4, 2012: Travel Michigan – Michigan’s Maritime Heritage: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – The bays of epic battles. The canals of commerce. The watery grave of the Edmund Fitzgerald. On Michigan’s maritime tours, the legends live on.Click to Listen:

July 28, 2012: Travel Michigan – Maker Faire: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Where better to celebrate the creativity and innovation of Michigan’s residents than The Henry Ford in Dearborn?Click to Listen:

July 21, 2012: Travel Michigan – Michigan’s Water Wonderland: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council)– 11,000 lakes populate our state, making Michigan a great summertime get-away.Click to Listen:

July 14, 2012Travel Michigan – The Grand Hotel Turns 125: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council); and Ken Hayward, VP, The Grand Hotel – Known for the world’s largest porch, the background for a couple of romantic movies, and its pecan balls, Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel is a beautiful and stately reminder of a time gone by.Click to Listen:

June 23, 2012: Travel Michigan – Germany Comes to Michigan: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan EconomicDevelopment Council); and Jurgen Fritsch, Writer/Producer,Reiselust TV – Germany’s Jurgen Fritsch is on a quest to show his country how America is “more than Las Vegas and Orlando.” He couldn’t have a better tour guide than David Lorenz! Their Michigan stops include Detroit, Silver Lake, Mac Woods Dunes Rides, Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes, and Mackinac Island. Dave also tells us about the uptick in Michigan camping this year.Click to Listen:

June 16, 2012: Italian Film Crew Lured to Michigan by Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council)Click to Listen:

June 9, 2012: Travel Michigan – A Dad’s Day Sampling of the Mitten: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – We catch up with Dave at Chicago’s Union Station, where he and other Michigan travel boosters are introducing travelers there to the wonders of Michigan. Each of the reps with Dave give us some great ideas on what their Michigan communities have to offer dear old Dad. It’s better than a tie!Click to Listen:

June 2, 2012: Travel Michigan – Civilian Conservation Corps Museum: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – More than 100,000 young men worked in Michigan’s forests during the Great Depression. Known as “Roosevelt’s tree army”, they served the state creating a legacy that we enjoy today. Note: Photo shows the barracks where the men lived. The site is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day for tours. Click to Listen:

May 26, 2012: Memorial Day in Michigan:Travel Michigan: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Looking for ideas on how to get away this weekend? Dave tells us about some great Michigan spots and where the deals are.Click to Listen:

May 12, 2012: Travel Michigan: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Marquette, Michigan: Dave takes us to his favorite place in Michigan, which offers the wonders of the outdoor life with all the amenities of a beautiful city but none of the waiting in traffic and lines to get to your destination.Click to Listen:

May 5, 2012: Travel Michigan: Seeing Detroit Through a New Yorker’s Eyes: Max Gross, Writer, New York Post; David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – He grew up in Brooklyn and is a lifelong New Yorker, but we were surprised to learn that the New York Post’s Max Gross had never been to the Midwest before. As you can see from the picture, Gross is catching on fast as he’s introduced to the D by Travel Michigan’s Dave Lorenz.Click to Listen:

April 28, 2012: Travel Michigan: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Pie & Wine: Grand Traverse Pie Company expands into downtown Ann Arbor with a second location here, and Dave tells us more about this Michigan company. Also, we give a toast to Wine Month and explore some of the state’s 92 vineyards. Click to Listen:

April 21, 2012: Travel Michigan: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – New Travel Ideas Magazine Debuts– As you put your plans together for the family vacation this summer, make sure you check out Travel Michigan’s new guide to help you get there. The publication (both print and online) is a delightful trip throughout the entire state of Michigan, giving you plenty of options that the whole family will enjoy.Click to Listen:

April 14, 2012: Travel Michigan: George Zimmerman, Vice President, Travel Michigan (a division of the Michigan Economic Development Council) – Win A Custom-Made Roush Mustang: The state’s advertising campaign is revving up its engines by teaming up with Roush Fenway Racing and MIS, and one race fan at the Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Spring Cup Series race at Michigan International Speedway will drive away in a pretty cool car. Click to Listen:

April 7, 2012: Travel Michigan: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan– Michigan’s Lighthouse Tour – The familiar beacon of lighthouses may not be used to signal ships anymore, but many in Michigan are being preserved and utilized. Dave takes us on a tour.Click to Listen:

March 31, 2012: Travel Michigan: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan – Marketing Michigan:The branding of Michigan through the Pure Michigan campaign generated a record $1 billion for the state this past year. Dave explains why it works and looks to the future, as he comments on high gas prices, not “nickle and diming” customers, and selling Michigan as an “experience.”Click to Listen:

March 24, 2012: Travel Michigan: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan – Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition at The Henry Ford– This year marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. The world’s largest ship sank after colliding with an iceberg, claiming more than 1,500 lives. The Henry Ford will host the largest touring exhibition of artifacts from the Titanic, featuring 300 artifacts – 250 of which have never been displayed in Michigan. In addition, visitors will walk through extensive room re-creations, be able to get their photos taken near the full-scale replica of the Grand Staircase, as well as learn about passengers on board who had local ties to Michigan. The exhibit opens March 31 and continues through September 30, 2012.Click to Listen:

March 10, 2012: Travel Michigan: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan; Nils Fallack, Travel Marketing Romberg – Reporting from Berlin at the world’s largest travel show, Dave & Nils talk about the worldwide attraction of the Great Lakes states.Click to Listen:

March 3, 2012: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan – Better Than Alcatraz!: A Most Unusual Tour – Take a tour of Michigan’s first state prison (1838-1934), now known as Armory Arts Village. Hear tales of prison life, punishments, colorful inmates, see old solitary cells, meet artists in former cells turned into studios, and visit an apartment, once 36 cells.Click to Listen:

February 25, 2012: Travel Michigan: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan; Kraig Becker, Travel Adventure Writer for Gadling.com – We catch up with Travel Michigan’s David Lorenz at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan, where he is entertaining a group of travel writers from around the country. Gadling’s Kraig Becker (he’s climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro) is one of them, and he shares his impressions on the adventures Michigan has to offer.Click to Listen:

February 18, 2012: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan – Pure Washtenaw: More details on how the campaign to promote the Washtenaw region will play out from nationwide commercials to an HGTV Househunters episode.Click to Listen:

February 11, 2012: David Lorenz, Manager of Public & Industry Relations, Travel Michigan; Heather Carmona, Executive Director of Woodward Avenue Action Association – The Michigan House recently approved a bill that would allow the creation of a Corridor Improvement Authority for Washtenaw Avenue. We take a look at the 27 miles of Woodward Avenue in the Detroit area to see how those communities are fostering economic and community development in an innovative and inclusive way through the Woodward Avenue Action Association.Click to Listen:

February 4, 2012: David Lorenz, Travel Michigan’s Manager of Public & Industry Relations – There’s Still Winter Left in that Mitten! – Michigan relies on all four seasons for the travel industry to be successful. So, while it may look like Spring here in southeastern Michigan, Dave tells us where we can get our Winter on in Michigan.
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January 28, 2012: David Lorenz, Public & Industry Relations Manager, Travel Michigan (Pure Michigan) – The Henry Ford Museum: Driving America is a remarkable mix of authentic artifacts, digital media, interactive play and personal accounts that tells the story of how much the automobile has influenced our culture during the past 100 years.
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January 14, 2012: David Lorenz, Travel Michigan (Pure Michigan) – NAIAS: The North American International Auto Show opens to the public today. Dave takes us on a tour and explains the importance of the show as an economic driver for Michigan.
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December 31, 2011: David Lorenz, Michigan Travel (Pure Michigan) – Michigan Travel Deals: Pinching pennies and wondering how you can still get a vacation together for your family? Dave has lots of great ideas, including a sleigh ride and elk viewing in Michigan’s northwest corner.
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December 17, 2011: David Lorenz, Michigan Travel (Pure Michigan) -Skiing: The snow machines have been extra busy this season, as Michigan’s ski resorts have resorted to creating their own winter wonderland. It’s believed that Michigan was actually the birthplace of artificial snow.
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November 26, 2011: David Lorenz, Public & Industry Relations Manager, Travel Michigan: “Oh, Christmas Tree, Michigan Christmas Tree…” – Did you know that Michigan is the third largest grower of Christmas trees in the nation? Dave regales us with the history of Christmas trees, and the importance of this industry in Michigan.
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November 5, 2011: David Lorenz, Public & Industry Relations Manager, Travel Michigan: Michigan’s Spas – With first-class spas and spa services found across the state, Pure Michigan can melt into Pure Relaxation in no time at all.
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October 22, 2011: David Lorenz, Public & Industry Relations Manager, Travel Michigan: Enjoying Michigan’s Fall Bounty – Sip the juice of fresh-pressed apples and still-warm donuts at cider mills, taste the fruit of the vine along a wine trail and raise a microbrew at the growing number of artisan breweries.
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September 17, 2011: David Lorenz, Public & Industry Relations Manager, Travel Michigan: Michigan’s Corn Mazes – Thanks to Michigan’s family farms, there are many fun corn mazes for you to wander through..and hopefully come out the other end! Dave takes us on a tour.
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September 10, 2011: David Lorenz, Public & Industry Relations Manager, Travel Michigan: Ziibiwing Center in Mt. Pleasant – The Ziibiwing Center is a distinctive treasure celebrating the rich culture and spirit of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan and other Great Lakes Anishinabek.
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September 3, 2011: David Lorenz, Public & Industry Relations Manager, Travel Michigan: Michigan’s Labor Day Holiday – Walking the Big Mac Bridge, listening to jazz in Detroit, and Royal Oak’s Arts, Beats & Eats, are among the great ways to enjoy the end of summer in Michigan.
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August 27, 2011: Michigan’s Favorite Hiking Spots – Michigan has hundreds of great hiking trails that offer scenery unmatched anywhere else. Like South Manitou where you’ll gaze upon a ship wreck, and the 200 mile coast to coast trail where you can take in both Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Click here for the complete list from Travel Michigan.
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August 20, 2011: Good Morning America Designates Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes as One of America’s Most Beautiful Spots – Celebrating Michigan’s latest national recognition, Dave tells us the lore of how Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes got its name.
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August 13, 2011: Michigan’s Auto History – From the many auto museums to the auto barons’ mansions, and even the upcoming Pure Michigan 400 NASCAR Sprint Cup Race, we celebrate this state’s rich auto heritage.
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August 6, 2011: Michigan’s Historic Inns – Dave talks about the rich history of Michigan’s Inns and tells us that many got their start as stagecoach stops.
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